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What weed was a treatment for mange?

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The genus Stellaria [stel lair' re ah] is comprised of about 120 species worldwide. Known as "starworts" or "chickweeds" the plants are lowly members of the Caryophyllaceae, the family of pinks and carnations. The medium chickweed (Stellaria media (Linnaeus) Villars) is the most recognizable species; it has become a cosmopolitan nuisance plant especially
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in temperate cropland.

John Gerard knew of ten species which he listed under the name, Alsine. Herbarists (physicians who treated with medicines as opposed to surgeons) considered "Chickweed...cold and moist, and of a waterish substance; and therefore it cooleth...." Used as a topical treatment, chickweed was reputed to create a localized sensation of coolness on the skin.

For an ointment, Gerard offered, "The leaves of Chickweed boyled in water...adding...some hogs grease, the pouder of Fenugreeke and Lineseed (flaxseed), and a few roots of marsh Mallowes, and stamped to the forme of cataplasme or pultesse (poultice)...." The chickweed ointment was used on "hot apostumes" (abscesses), wounds, and as protection for "maligne and virulent ulcers from inflammation during the cure...." Gerard gave chickweed high praise, "...in a word, it comforteth, digesteth, defendeth, and suppurateth very notably."

Whether Gerard actually associated poor hygiene with skin disorders is not known, but he often recommended washing with various herbal extracts to prevent or correct skin problems. Mange (skin-burrowing mites that cause severe itching, hair loss, and scabs) was a major problem among the labor class, especially those who worked with animals or tanned hides. Chickweeds were readily available and "boyled with Vinegar and salt are good against mangines (manginess) of the hands and legs, if they be bathed therewith." (The Herbal, John Gerard, 1633 edition)

Fotografien von Wildpflanzen (Photographs of Wildflowers) is a great gallery of wildflowers by Robert Flogaus-Faust. To view his closeup of Stellaria media, click on the link:

http://www.flogaus-faust.de/e/stelmedi.htm

You can view more great shots of wildflowers by going to the homepage http://www.flogaus-faust.de and following the links.

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